Michael POV:
I had moved closer.
Much closer.
Close enough that the space between us had nearly disappeared again.
Close enough that I could feel the warmth of her breath brush faintly against my skin.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Not fear.
Awareness.
That same electric tension from earlier returned, settling between us like a live wire.
I lowered my voice again.
"You should be careful," I murmured.
Her throat moved as she swallowed.
"Careful about what?"
I tilted my head slightly, studying her face.
"Looking at me like that."
"I'm not looking at you like anything."
"Sure you're not."
Her jaw tightened.
"You're impossible."
"Yet you're still standing here."
That made her pause.
And for the first time since this ridiculous seduction plan began—
Astrid seemed momentarily unsure of what to do next.
Which meant one very important thing.
The game had officially begun.
And I was enjoying every second of it.
ASTRID — POV
"Can I kiss you?"
Michael's voice was low.
